UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA DIVISION OF AGRICULTURE AND NATURAL RESOURCES

Transcription

1 UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA DIVISION OF AGRICULTURE AND NATURAL RESOURCES 2012 Combined Research and Extension Federal Annual Report Agricultural Experiment Station and Cooperative Extension Submitted April 1, 2013 Approved June 4, 2013

2 2012 University of California Combined Research and Extension Annual Report of Accomplishments and Results Table of Contents I. Report Overview Executive Summary II. Merit Review Process III. Stakeholder Input IV. Expenditure Summary V. Planned Program A. Healthy Families and Communities B. Sustainable Food Systems C. Sustainable Natural Ecosystems D. Endemic and Invasive Pests and Diseases E. Sustainable Energy F. Climate Change G. Water Quality, Quantity, and Security

3 2012 University of California Combined Research and Extension Annual Report of Accomplishments and Results I. Report Overview Executive Summary Status: Accepted, 06/04/13 Date Submitted: 04/01/2013 The University of California Division of Agriculture and Natural Resources (UC ANR) is the major land grant arm for the university and the state, as part of the nationwide public university system "built on behalf of the people" (Abraham Lincoln). The Agricultural Experiment Station (AES) was established to develop cutting-edge research information that can be applied to solving real-world problems in agriculture and natural resources. Cooperative Extension (CE) was created as a cadre of academics housed in local communities to translate and test research findings for practical, local solutions. UC ANR is unique in its three way partnership with federal, state and county governments to provide these local and statewide research and extension programs that address the critical issues of California. Through its partnerships and collaborations, UC ANR is able to leverage its resources to increase its ability to address these issues. UC, ANR's mission is to: Maintain and enhance connections that fully engage UC with the people of California Achieve innovation in fundamental and applied research and education that supports sustainable, safe, nutritious food production and delivery systems Economic success in a global economy A sustainable, healthy, productive environment Science literacy and youth development programs The UC ANR system currently has academic led programs in every county in California through Cooperative Extension (CE), providing direct connections to the people of California. The Agricultural Experiment Station faculty members conduct research and teach in three colleges and one professional school on the Davis, Berkeley and Riverside campuses. Nine research and extension centers (RECs), located in a variety of ecosystems across the state, provide a core research and extension base. Six statewide programs focus on specific issues that engage UC ANR academics and UC faculty from all the other campuses, allowing integrated teams to work on complex issues that need multidisciplinary approaches. The AES has nearly 700 academic researchers, most of whom also have professorial appointments representing dozens of scientific disciplines. Cooperative Extension, the principal outreach arm of the Division, comprises academic appointees attached to campus departments as CE specialists or county offices as CE advisors; there are about 130 specialists and 200 advisors. 2

4 FY 2012 The Division continued to tackle the cuts resulting from California's enduring state budget crisis. UC ANR's budget reduction decisions aimed to reduce administrative overhead while focusing programs and people on the future through the Strategic Vision. The resulting restructured organization is responsive to the needs articulated in the Strategic Vision and represents a strong administrative and programmatic platform for the future. Given ongoing budget cuts, UC ANR continues to seek alternative ways to support our programs. UC ANR continues to explore the recently developed Cooperative Extension multi-county partnership model, which aims to reduce costs while maintaining the strength of programs. Significant input from internal and external stakeholders developed and guides this strategy to increase administrative efficiency. It is to be used, where appropriate, instead of the historic individual county-based administrative units. UC ANR's first multi-county partnership was successful in saving the four participating counties and the University funds while supporting local programs. The established guiding principles and best practices are being used for the subsequent multi-county partnerships under development. During FY2012, a new County Directors Council was formed to identify issues and gather information on matters of importance to UC Cooperative Extension. This council participates in the ongoing evaluations and discussions with the internal task forces formed to analyze the potential for multi-county partnerships around the state. The Division's priority continued to be hiring new academics, given UC ANR staffing is well below optimal levels. During FY 2012 a call for positions proposals resulted in 46 CE advisor and specialist positions being released for recruitment and hiring during FY 2013 and FY UC ANR continues to make significant progress toward its Strategic Vision The Vision identifies multidisciplinary, integrated Strategic Initiatives that represent the best opportunities for UC ANR's considerable infrastructure and talent to seek new resources and new ways of partnering within and outside the University to find solutions to the issues that will be facing California in Since FY 2009, UC ANR has been working on the following four initiatives: 1) Healthy Families and Communities; 2) Sustainable Natural Ecosystems; 3) Endemic and Invasive Pests and Diseases; and 4) Sustainable Food Systems. During FY 2012, a fifth Strategic Initiative on Water Quality, Quantity, and Quality was launched. During FY 2012, UC ANR also launched two new special programs. The California Institute for Water Resources has the mission of supporting research and extension activities that contribute to the efficient management of California's water resources. The institute coordinates water-related research, extension and education efforts across the 10 UC campuses and across the UC ANR system. In addition, a new statewide program Informatics and Geographic Information System (IGIS) was created to become the nexus for the Division's rich and diverse geospatial and ecological data, research information, and resources for academics and the public who rely on geospatial and informatics data, analysis and display. Through data capture, information sharing, and collaboration, the aim is to increase the ability to make meaningful predictions of the agricultural, ecosystem, and community response to future change, to increase our understanding of California's diverse natural, agricultural and human resources, and to support research and outreach projects that enhance agricultural productivity, natural resource conservation and healthy communities into the future. 3

5 Guided by the five initiatives' plans, which identified focused areas of inquiry and needed areas of outreach, UC ANR completed a second round of the restructured internal competitive grants program to award $3.8 million to sixteen projects over five years. For FY 2012, California reports on the following seven Federal Planned Programs: 1. Healthy Families and Communities 2. Sustainable Food Systems 3. Sustainable Natural Ecosystems 4. Endemic and Invasive Pests and Diseases 5. Sustainable Energy 6. Climate Change 7. Water Quality, Quantity, and Security The following narratives describe the FY 2012 program highlights for these Federal Planned Programs. Healthy Families and Communities Despite California's $37 billion agricultural industry and world-renowned private and public universities, its residents face a crisis in the health and education of our young people: high childhood obesity, rising school dropout rates and low student achievement. UC ANR's Healthy Families and Communities strategic initiative addresses major factors contributing to childhood obesity, positive youth development and science literacy through campus and county based research and outreach programs. Contributing studies spanned the age spectrum and probed micro areas within genetics, nutrient-disease relationships to macro socio-economic systems with diverse audiences and geographic locations ranging from small rural to large urban areas within the state and internationally. Seventy six Hatch and Multistate Research projects were awarded to investigators at UC Riverside, Davis, and Berkeley. CE specialists worked on 21 research and extension projects. CE advisors worked on 263 extension projects, and led an additional 22 research projects under the Federal Planned Program Healthy Families and Communities. The following discussion illustrates some of the significant work that was conducted by UC ANR: Childhood Obesity Childhood obesity is a major health, public health, and policy issue: approximately 25 million children in the United States are obese or at risk of becoming obese, with probable negative consequences for their health and for the nation's future health care costs; it is an issue that has received a significant media scrutiny and debate about how to address the pervasive problem. UC Cooperative Extension researchers are conducting nearly 10 studies to understand how obesity manifests in childhood and how to prevent it. For instance, an intervention study is examining whether dietary behavior for students can be modified, and promising results show that student knowledge improved significantly from baseline to follow up after the intervention. In another intervention study, the impact of community based programs to increase fruit and vegetable consumption in low income youth is being measured and current data show that student nutrition knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors are improving. UC Berkeley's Atkins Center has focused on several projects to promote healthy environments to 4

6 prevent obesity involving a variety of sections and partners. Human Nutrition and Health Researchers continue to identify links between nutrition and health from cellular to behavioral levels. Researchers investigated the mechanisms underlying how fruits and vegetables protect against obesity and nutrition related diseases such as inflammation, which can lead to cancer and have revealed exactly how soy products promote health through metabolism. Another study examined how people apply nutrition knowledge to dietary decision making and found that older adults effectively use food labels particularly well when they have specific dietary goals (e.g., sodium restriction). Researchers have identified behavioral factors that influence adolescents' consumption of calcium rich foods; the data will be used to design more effective prevention programs targeted to sub-groups at high risk for osteoporosis. Nearly three dozen studies are being conducted on health and diseases, and diet and nutrition. Nutrition Education Two UC Cooperative Extension nutrition programs, the Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program (EFNEP) and the UC CalFresh Nutrition Education Program (also known as SNAP-ED), work with community agencies and schools to deliver nutrition education to lowincome families, including adults and youth, to improve health, food security and assist in prevention of childhood obesity. The EFNEP and CalFresh programs are delivered in 33 counties and reached over 222,000 participants. EFNEP led to a 90% improvement in nutrition practices, an 85% improvement in food resource management (food budgeting skills), a 70% improvement in food safety practices, and a 38% percent increase in physical activity. In collaboration with UC CalFresh, UC Cooperative Extension and UC Davis researchers developed the Taste Test Tool and Teacher Observation Tool to evaluate program effectiveness. Both tools showed that nutrition education was effective: teachers reported that at the end of the program year, youth were over 60% more likely to bring fruits to school as snacks; over 90% more likely to identify healthy food choices, and over 60% more likely to choose fruits and vegetables in the cafeteria and during parties. Younger children were more likely to try new foods again and ask for the foods at home than middle and high school aged children. Positive Youth Development In addition to health concerns, California's youth are also facing challenges such as dropout rates and low science literacy rankings. In contrast, children who are thriving are less likely to engage in risky behaviors that might be detrimental to our society and economy, and instead are more likely to be positive contributors to our workforce. Thriving and positive youth development is fostered through research and through UC Cooperative Extension's 4-H Youth Development Program. A UC Davis child care environmental planning project led to a change in the design of an outdoor play structure. A study about helping students cope with negative peer interactions (i.e., bullying) resulted in workshops and trainings for teachers, parents, and information was disseminated through the UC Davis teacher's credential program. "Just In Time Parenting" research demonstrated documented changes in use of positive parenting behaviors-- associated with lower risk for child maltreatment and improving positive outcomes for young children-- among participants. All told, nearly a dozen studies were being conducted on health and mental health outcomes for children and adolescents. 5

7 Direct programming to promote positive youth development provides youth with numerous times to participate in projects. Overall, over 71,500 youth were engaged in community clubs, camp programs, and school programs through the 4-H Youth Development Program. Youth participate in projects ranging from agriculture; livestock; science and engineering; and healthy living activities including food and nutrition, and physical activity, for example: Science Literacy: Youth participated nearly 65,000 times in 4-H science, engineering and technology projects. After participating in Sacramento Water Wizards--a 12 week science education program about the importance of water, 65% of students indicated they were using less water. 4-H's On the Wild Side program showed that 75% of students increased their knowledge about nature and the environment. Youth used 4-H Revolution of Responsibility grants to purchase and plant almost 300 trees in San Mateo County; and build a walking trail at Ormond Beach, the largest wetland in California. Healthy Living: Youth participated 32,523 times in projects aimed to address healthy living--which is a holistic approach to well-being. For instance, youth developed and submitted and received two grants from the California 4-H Revolution of Responsibility and used them to purchase and deliver fruit and vegetables to 65 students. Other youth developed a cookbook featuring 100 healthy recipes from local cooks and made them available at no cost to families who use the Nevada County food bank. Citizenship and Leadership: Young people who are engaged in their communities and organizations in meaningful ways are more likely to be civically involved and philanthropically inclined throughout their lives. Youth were engaged 13,000 times in various 4-H citizenship projects. A dozen 4-H youth were trained and co-facilitated youth focus group discussions about community activities, drugs, gang activity, and teen pregnancy. After attending a state conference to better understand civic engagement two young people designed a flag for their county. 4-H youth used their Revolution of Responsibility grants to "adopt" families and senior citizens around the holidays and provide them with Christmas gifts and meals; provide bathroom safety equipment to senior citizens living independently; and created a device called a "U-lift" to help them recover from falls. Youth also secured, assembled, and distributed 250 first aid kits to the community. Results from the past year reinforce the need for the research, education, and extension network which integrates lab and applied research to achieve healthy families and communities. Formal and non-formal education settings are showing impacts in factors influencing childhood obesity, human health and nutrition, positive youth development and science literacy. Sustainable Food Systems Projected population growth, widespread poverty, and declining agricultural productivity within the context of climate change create an urgency to increase food production in ways that are more efficient and sustainable. Food security is both a national and global issue. California agriculture plays a vital role in providing an abundant source of safe, nutritious, and remarkable inexpensive food for its residents, the nation, and the world. California has been an innovative leader in food production for more than a century. California is a major producer of vegetables, fruits, nuts, and dairy products, which are healthy and under consumed sources of nutrition for Californians and people nationwide. California agriculture faces unprecedented challenges to its 6

8 sustainability, including climate change, water, regulation, labor, invasive species, urbanization, and other factors. Two hundred and forty six Hatch and Multistate Research projects were conducted by investigators at UC Riverside, Davis, and Berkeley with an agricultural focus. CE specialists worked on 55 research and extension projects. CE advisors worked on 444 extension projects, and led an additional 87 research projects under the Federal Planned Program: Sustainable Food Systems. The following projects illustrate the types of range of projects with important results being conducted by academic and non-academic personnel located in county extension offices, the three UC ANR campuses, several Research and Extension Centers, and occasionally on USDA facilities in collaborative efforts: Specialty Crops Research on post-harvest quality and safety in fresh-cut vegetables and fruit, assessing consumer practices that may increase or reduce the likelihood of pathogen growth or survival; this data will be useful for quantitative microbial risk assessment and the development of scientifically sound consumer food safety message. Other results included information about the control of light brown apple moths with a safer fumigant for humans and the environment; finalized treatments for black widow spiders which should improve the quality of table grapes; and demonstrating practices for inhibiting the development of blossom end rot on tomato. Research addressing the need of specialty crop producers for sustainable and affordable pest management technologies by providing in-kind support for the USDA's IR-4 project. The increased availability of new reduced-risk pesticides has helped California's fruit and vegetable growers reduce their use of older, broad-spectrum pesticides by 66% in the past 12 years. Lastly, UC researchers also continue to support work to increase the viability of Southeast Asian agriculture in California by helping Hmong and Mein farmers gain access to direct marketing. One project focused on the molecular genetic improvement of California specialty crops had multiple impacts. It demonstrated a new strategy for the significant improvement of tomato fruit quality using classical plant breeding approaches. The research has also continued to identify and deploy new approaches to manage patented technologies that are important for agricultural innovation, and to advance projects from proof-of-concept stage to commercial deployment. The strategies developed for marker-free transformation of crops is now being adopted for commercial and humanitarian applications in California and Africa. This work has significant applications for intellectual property. Plant Production and Genetics Pollination is of vital importance to agricultural productivity. UC researchers are determining the potential of native bees as pollinators for almonds and other crops, and have developed lists of plant species that support native pollinators. Farmers, gardeners and school groups are putting into practice bee friendly habitat using guidelines provided. 7

9 One project led to the development of six new peach rootstocks that have been or in the process of being release for commercial use. The rootstocks are of great interest to producers because of their potential to be used in modified orchard systems that limit tree height to levels that make it possible to manage trees from the ground without level. The adoption of the rootstocks by producers has been impressive. A biotechnology project assessed agricultural biotech products of relevance to California agriculture; assessed other emerging technologies of relevance to California, including prospective synthetic biology products; and assessed regulatory policy, with a focus on science-based safety and trade policies. This research has been requested for use by the White House for a Presidential Memorandum, and by other federal agencies. Seeds represent the primary food source for the majority of human populations. Seed formation is also critical to the formation of most fruits. UC's work in genetic and molecular analysis of ovule development provides new information on the critical process of ovule development and the regulation of plant development. This understanding translates into novel methods for engineered regulation of gene expression for crop improvement or biomedical applications. Plant Protection The project focused on enhancing biodiversity in agroecosystems to improve pest regulation and sustainable production provides a scientific evaluation of on-farm habitat management strategies to develop cost-effective biological control options of important arthropod pests of California vineyards. Many farmers adopting the various Floral Resource Provisioning (FPR) designs have reported that they have been able to reduce the application of insecticides or organic products for pest control. Some farmers reported that the use of certain flower mixtures have brought additional benefits, including weed suppression, improved soil quality, and improved water storage. The training of farm workers on insect identification and monitoring has proven useful. California is the leading strawberry producer. The phase out of methyl bromide could result in great crop losses from soilborne pathogens and weeds, causing severe economic distress for growers, price increases for consumers and reduced competitiveness for growers in international markets. UC researchers are evaluating alternative chemicals and practices for crop production. Integrated weed management strategies may allow reduced pesticide inputs and ease some of the regulatory concerns surrounding many of the older vegetable herbicides, as well as hold down production costs. Animals and Their Systems A series of applied animal behavior and welfare projects develop animal behavior measurement techniques to assess on-farm welfare challenges and evaluate alternative management strategies, with a focus on improving animal welfare and reducing losses in poultry production. Another project assesses the optimization of poultry welfare and production systems by evaluating natural behaviors of hens, such as dustbathing, and various methods to facilitate that behavior. Additional work focused on extending the uses of poultry genome sequencing efforts and technology development to understand genes important in growth and development. Marek's disease, a leading cause of 8

10 mortality leading to substantial economic losses to the poultry industry is also being evaluated. New knowledge is being developed on molecular mechanisms of host-virus interactions, which may lead to novel intervention and breeding strategies to impede this disease. Research on the integration of ruminant digestive, metabolic and energetic relationships is producing results that are being used to improve model description of the characteristics of beef cattle production in grass fed systems, an area of growing consumer demand and market opportunity for California beef producers. Air quality remains a vitally important concern in California. Understanding the range of emissions from dairies and poultry operations is a major prerequisite for designing emission mitigation strategies. UC is gathering scientific measurement data and developing process-based emission models that will allow the analysis of factors that affect emissions under different farm management practices and environmental conditions. Technological Innovation One project exploring rapid assessment tools for monitoring food and forage utilized an array of technologies to monitor: 1) workers for exposure to pesticides; 2) foam in furniture sold in California for the use of illegal fire retardants; and 3) biosolids from sewage treatment. Research focused on improving efficiency of irrigation and nutrient inputs in vegetable production has helped transform the tomato industry through drip irrigation and soil fertility management guidelines. The work is also being used in production of leafy greens and strawberries. Research on precision irrigation, fertilization, and management of specialty crops by wireless sensor networks features wireless nodes and actuation hardware/software. Precision agriculture leads to economic and environmental benefits since it involves applying inputs such as chemicals and water on a site-specific basis to enhance crop yield, reduce inputs, and/or reduce environmental damage. Research demonstrated the feasibility of using an x-ray transmission sensor to automatically detect the location of transplanted row crops in the field during cultivation. Results show that the sensor was accurate and could be used to automatically control the operation of mechanical weed knives, potentially providing farmers with an alternative to manual or chemical methods of weed control within the crop row. Researchers also worked on a project to develop mechanical harvesting for California black ripe processed olives. Economics, Markets, and Policy Research assessing immigration and the competitiveness of California agriculture explain how immigration, trade and other policy changes are and are likely to affect the U.S. farm labor market. The impacts of migration and likely effects of changes to immigration were examined and have been shared broadly with policy makers. 9

11 Impact analyses and decision strategies for agricultural research link that an earlier slowdown in agricultural research and development spending is likely to have contributed to an observed slowdown in agricultural productivity growth around the world since The research on returns to U.S. agricultural research and development also demonstrated very long lags, very significant interstate spillovers of benefits, and very high benefit-cost ratios implying continuing chronic underinvestment. Research on the theory and applications of commodity market modeling is influencing the approach to price analysis in the FAO and the World Bank. It is also relating developments in biofuels incentives and mandates to effects on food and fiber. Research in expanding Community Supported Agriculture sales and access in California produced data that was requested by the California Department of Food and Agriculture for use in rewriting California's direct marketing code, which will likely include CSAs. UC's work in agritourism is enabling small and mid-scale producers to diversify their operations. 355 producers were trained in agritourism challenges and opportunities, business planning, risk management, hospitality and effective marketing. The work also facilitated the development of new regional networks, and engagement with local planning and community development agencies to reduce permitting and regulatory barriers. Since the training 14% of participants hosted visitors for the first time; 30% have begun planning new agritourism activities; and 92% of non-farmer participants have helped promote agritourism in their area. A California agroecosystem assessment project continues to engage external stakeholders and policy makers. Initial outreach results of the nitrogen assessment project are being used by practitioners and policy makers alike. Through the study of etiology, epidemiology, and control of virus diseases in grapevines, fruit and nut trees, roses and strawberries, UC researchers have produced information on management of virus diseases which has had on impact on the management of nurseries producing these crops. The work has resulted in a revision to the Registration and Certification regulations for grapevines and trees. Sustainable Natural Ecosystems The term "Natural Ecosystems" refers collectively to the forests, rangelands, and wetlands. In California, these lands are typically upstream or downstream of intensively managed agricultural and residential lands. They provide valuable goods and services to society but their ecological diversity and mixed ownership increase the complexity in regards to ensuring their sustainability. A central theme of the SNE program is to better understand the ecological and physical process that control overall system productivity and thereby better understand how these processes are managed in our highly variable climate. Even the ecosystems in federal parks and wilderness areas have significant interactions via fires, atmospheric-land deposition and emissions, with the private and public landscapes that are valued for the goods and services that are consumed or managed by California s residents. Population growth, climate change, land use change and fragmentation, and limited science 10

12 literacy about these ecosystems are adding to the challenges. The goal of the ANR Sustainable Natural Ecosystems Strategic Initiative and Federal Planned Program is to have a large positive impact on California's natural resource ecosystems. One hundred and twenty four Hatch and Multistate research projects with a natural resources focus were conducted by investigators at UC Riverside, Davis, and Berkeley. CE specialists worked on 28 research and extension projects. CE advisors worked on 109 extension projects, and led an additional nine research projects under the Federal Planned Program Sustainable Natural Ecosystems. Projects are being conducted in several areas that are essential to sustaining California's natural resources. A few illustrative examples of the breadth of projects along with selected examples of high impact programs follow. Range Resources Management California's extensive grasslands are composed of mixes of annual grasses, perennial grasses, and well as various invasive or weed species. Streams, other water bodies, shrubs and scattered trees add to the complexity. In some sites, shrubs rather than grasses are the dominant plant. At the basic ecological process level, ongoing research is exploring the competition and productivity of these systems so that both grazing management and restoration efforts will be more effective. Where cattle and sheep grazing are practiced, new research is suggesting new ways to fine tune livestock control practices such as riparian fencing and herd movements to attract livestock away from environmentally critical areas or into areas targeted for grazing. A recent ANR publication documents the practices that can be applied in California and other western states. While the per acre rates of deposition and emissions may be small, ongoing research into the nitrogen, carbonate-carbon dioxide, and fire related processes illustrate their global importance when considering the roughly 50 million acres of rangelands (including desert rangelands) in California. Aquatic and Terrestrial Wildlife Conservation The viability of fish populations that bisect agricultural and urban areas as freshwater flows to the ocean is a key integrating factor across all natural ecosystems in California. Research was conducted and publications produced to develop a better understanding the factors controlling the resilience and persistence of fish populations in both systems flowing through small streams into the San Francisco Bay as well as into larger rivers flowing into the California Bay-Delta. Decades of fish population and related habitat data collected and analyzed for streams, rivers, and wetlands across California are proving invaluable as the state continues to work on refining sustainable and robust systems move water from natural bodies to urban and agricultural uses. Forest Resources Management In the woodlands and forest areas that are typically upslope of the grasslands, research and publications defined how improving wildlife habitats can be integrated into the land management practices of private and public land managers. In addition, new tools are being developed to identify the occurrence and potential spread of two new sources of hardwood tree mortality, Sudden Oak Death (SOD) in Northern California and Golden Spot Oak Borer (GSOB) in Southern California. In addition to the technical work of tool development, a major investment is being put into spreading the understanding to urban residents and youth who, because of their large populations, will be central to effective management of these new vectors of mortality 11

13 that are more prevalent in recreationally oriented forest lands than production oriented lands. The crucial role of water use by overly dense forests due to decades of fire suppression and the remaining runoff into streams and rivers is also a focus of UCANR research. Droughts, warming weather and changing precipitation patterns will affects forests, stream flows, as well as the fish populations and the diverted water that is moved around the state to support agriculture and urban areas. Wildfire Management and Control Another important issue for natural ecosystems on the residential fringe is addressing the seasonally high level of wildfire risk that can often be the single largest type of resource management expenditure in these areas. Educating homeowners about fire-safe landscaping is one of the most effective ways to connect landowners with their quasi-natural surroundings, increase fire safety, reduce costs associated with property destruction, and reduce the risk of erosion and debris flows after a fire. The UCCE Sustainable and Fire-Safe (SAFE) Landscapes program focuses on helping wildland/urban interface homeowners create and maintain fire-safe landscaping around their homes and neighborhoods. Combined with the statewide efforts to educate homeowners through online tools to ensure that all homes are more resilient to any fire risks, these efforts can significantly reduce the costs and losses that result from the interaction of residences and seasonal wildfires. Understanding and Valuing Ecosystem Services Across all of these natural ecosystem-based activities, UC ANR professionals worked with the institutions that combine private and public interests, and have the goal of developing clearer linkages between the provision of ecosystem services and the necessary financial remuneration to continue effective resource management. A significant component of this work has been related to the increasing interest in the need to separate out financing that would create truly global climate benefits in terms of mitigation (e.g. reduce net CO2 flux into the atmosphere) and adaptation (e.g. direct social investment to increasing the social portfolio of desired attributes such as biodiversity in location x,y,z given the high probability of large alterations in future climate averages and extremes. As California learned in the Enron saga associated with energy deregulation, the potential for accounting trickery is great when innovation is lead by financiers with little oversight from publicly financed researchers. Endemic and Invasive Pests and Diseases Pests and disease affect the viability and productivity of agriculture, natural resources, public health and the environment of Californians. The speed and frequency of international travel today, combined with the volume of imported food, commodities and materials have greatly increased the rate of establishment of invasive pests and diseases in California. As global climate patterns shift, the distribution of pests and diseases will change, and many habitats will become more susceptible to new threats. The Endemic and Invasive Pests and Diseases Initiative goals are to foster research and extension programs that 1) exclude pests and diseases through improved detection and diagnostics, 2) develop information that responds to emerging problems with pests and disease, and 3) provide long-term integrated pest management (IPM) solutions for established pests. 12

14 One hundred and sixty four Hatch and Multistate Research projects were conducted by investigators at UC Riverside, Davis, and Berkeley. CE specialists worked on 62 research and extension projects. CE advisors worked on 298 extension projects, and led an additional 86 research projects under the Federal Planned Program Endemic and Invasive Pests and Diseases. The following discussion illustrates some of the 2012 research highlights within each of these EIPD initiative goals: Exclusion of pests and diseases through early detection and diagnostics The first step in controlling the damage of any pest or disease, be it arthropods, vertebrates, weeds, or pathogens, is to exclude it from entering a new region. Exclusion includes diagnostics, detection and interception. Eradication of pests and diseases may be feasible if an early detection system is in place. Lack of early detection may result in expensive pest and disease management costs in the long-term, disruption in commerce and industry prosperity, and human and animal health impacts if diseases are involved. The following are examples of UC ANR projects addressing problems in the areas of detection of invasive pests and diseases: Verticillium wilt on vegetable crops is caused by V. dahliae and on crucifer crops the disease is caused by V. longisporum, a hybrid pathogen of unknown origin. Using genomic, phylogenetic, morphological and taxonomic approaches, a research team provided evidence for the potential origin of V. longisporum, and determined that hybridization between unrelated pathogens is perhaps the norm in the evolution of new pathogens. This team undertook a major reassessment of the genus Verticillium, and described five new species. The molecular diagnostic tools for all species can be used in quarantine laboratories to intercede the pathogens before they are moved to areas where they don't yet occur. Research has shown that the predatory lady beetle, Psyllabora vigintimactulata, is a potentially important predator of powdery mildew in both greenhouse and orchard grape ecosystems. After studying this beetle in the greenhouse, researchers discovered that it could detect and respond to very low powdery mildew infestations. In some situations the beetle is better at detecting early infestations of powdery mildew in the field than visual assessment or spore trapping, and could be used to better time the first fungicide sprays. Soil-dwelling nematodes affect the growth and health of plants and can be parasites of vertebrates. Several research teams have conducted soil sample collection from California, isolation of nematodes from soil, establishment of in vitro cultures, light microscopy, photographic image acquisition and analysis, nematode morphometrics, nucleic acid extraction, PCR primer design, polymerase chain reaction amplification, DNA sequencing, contig assembly, multiple sequence alignment, and phylogenetic analyses. These gene sequences are of value to ecologists, nematologists, soil scientists and regulators because they are a type of "DNA barcode" for nematode identification. A research team developed methods for the detection of Fusarium oxysporum f. sp.vasinfectum race 4 in seed and soil. These methods can be used by the California cotton seed industry to ensure that the fungus is not moved within California or from California to other states and countries. Because race 4 is highly virulent on many Pima 13

15 cultivars, the ability to detect this fungus in a field will influence crop or cotton cultivar choices. Study of the races that occur outside California resulted in the discovery of at least of three yet to-be-named races which are highly virulent on cotton cultivars commonly grown in California. Because of their economic importance, there is intense interest from forestry and regulatory personnel in developing pheromone-baited traps for detection of cerambycid beetles, particularly for invasive species. Research determined that a number of the pheromone compounds can be blended to make generic lures to attract multiple species simultaneously. The University of California is working with USDA-APHIS to move these pheromones towards commercialization, and to make them available to forest managers and regulatory personnel charged with the detection, interception, and eradication of exotic species. Emerging problems with pests and diseases When new pests and/or diseases emerge, they need to be addressed in order to protect animal health, plant health, public health, food security, food safety, and the environment. Often newly arrived pests and diseases are problems because they lack natural control agents, creating devastating problems as they spread. Endemic pests and diseases can also develop into more serious problems because of external factors such as changes in climate and plant/animal management practices. The following are examples of UC ANR projects addressing problems in the areas of emerging problems with pests and diseases: Obscure mealybug (Pseudococcus viburni), Gill's mealybug (Ferrisia gilli) and vine mealybug (Planococcus ficus) have spread throughout California's grape-growing regions. Research has demonstrated these mealybugs serve as vectors of grape leafroll associated viruses. Research determined that a particular species of grapevine leafroll virus is driving a disease epidemic in Napa Valley. This is important because different species are transmitted by different insect vectors and management is dependent on identification of the correct etiological agent. The invasive glassy-winged sharpshooter is the vector of the grape pathogen Xylella fastidiosa, the etiological agent of Pierce's disease. Research projects examined the impact of grape variety on disease epidemics, the success of area wide treatment programs for reducing the number of vectors, the success of nursery treatments to prevent spread of the vector, determined that the origin of the pest was Central America, identified novel genes from grapes that would prevent infection or symptom development, began the development of transgenic plants that could resist the disease, and identified autotransporters as targets for the design of novel vaccines. Assays indicated that light brown apple moth is less heat tolerant than many other invasive tortricids. Species distribution models were developed for light brown apple moth which generated predictions for the potential global distribution of this leafroller pest. Downy brome and medusahead are the most problematic invasive annual grasses in rangelands of the western United States. However, there are no effective control strategies for these species in sagebrush habitat and control is difficult in grasslands and other rangelands. In addition, ranchers are limited in what they can afford to do for the 14

16 control of medusahead, particularly in the northeastern region of California and in the Great Basin sagebrush community. This project showed that low rates of glyphosate applied at the medusahead tillering stage in late April to early May provided 95% control of medusahead and a reduction in seed production. Research on Sahara mustard invasions in desert environments showed that this species has an earlier life history and more rapid growth to reproductive stage than other closely related mustard species, allowing it to spread into desert environments yet escape drought conditions. Thus, in addition to drought tolerance, rapid plant phenology may serve as a predictive trait for other potential invaders of arid and highly variable ecosystems. The endosymbiotic bacteria Wolbachia has been shown to infect the Aphtyis wasp parasitoid of the California red scale, Aonidiella aurantii. This bacteria causes reproductive incompatibility between infected and uninfected strains. Aphytis in all five commercial California insectary populations were shown to be infected, and it appears wasps present in very hot areas of California can be naturally heat cured. These studies will help guide how augmentative releases of Aphytis should best be used on citrus in the San Joaquin Valley of California where more than 75% of the states citrus is now produced. Integrated Management When pests and/or pathogens become established in California, integrated management tactics are needed to reduce their impact on agriculture, natural resources, communities, and human health. The following are examples of UC ANR projects addressing integrated management of pests and diseases: Large scale field demonstrations of pheromone mating disruption programs in commercial orchards were conducted and provided a cost-effective feasible program for controlling key pests such as codling moth and navel orangeworm in pears and walnuts. Research was conducted to address the serious food safety problem of aflatoxin contamination in almond and pistachio nuts in California. Aflatoxin, a toxin produced as a secondary metabolite of the two filamentous fungi, Aspergillus flavus and A. parasiticus, is demonstrated to have potent carcinogenic effects in laboratory animals and acute toxicological effects (even deaths) in people. Research was conducted to determine factors affecting shifts in the soil populations of A. flavus/a. parasiticus towards an increase of the highly toxigenic populations, displace these toxigenic populations by adding a mixture of atoxigenic strains of A. flavus in commercial orchards, and reduce aflatoxin contamination in nuts. Modeling pest manager collected data, researchers found that by clustering cotton fields, pest damage generated by Lygus hesperus can be reduced. Research also identified neighboring crops that were associated with higher Lygus densities (e.g., safflower, oats, grapes, onion, uncultivated agricultural fields) and crops that were identified with substantially reduced Lygus bug densities (alfalfa, cotton). This can help farmers to 'design' the layout of fields within their ranches to reduce the severity of Lygus infestation and the need for costly and disruptive pesticide applications. 15

17 Demonstration projects showed that spray applicators can reduce the amount of pyrethroids used to control ants in homes by about 75% and still provide excellent control. This has the potential of reducing the amount of pesticides applied in urban settings by hundreds of thousands of pounds per year in California. In addition, it will dramatically reduce the potential runoff of pesticides into urban waterways. Various mosquitoes, particularly Culex tarsalis are major vectors of bird malaria in Fresno County. There is now proof that continued pressure by environmental lobbyists to reduce pesticide use in US Waters will impact local riparian songbirds. This is significant because it justifies continued mosquito control not only from public health perspective but also to reduce impact of mosquito borne wildlife diseases. Sustainable Energy Public policies that add the production of biomass feedstocks for power and fuel to the existing objectives of agricultural production systems have affected the work of many ANR scientists and extension advisors. Both purpose grown crops and crops residues are used or will be used for these purposes. Adding new demands on agricultural systems alters demands for agricultural products, and results in new public scrutiny about the efficiency and sustainability of biomass production systems. The greenhouse gas intensity of farming in general is a new concern that originates in part with the need for biomass feedstocks for energy and carbon accounting associated with crop production. California also has large amounts of woody biomass from forests, and some high moisture biomass from its extensive food processing industry. Forestry residues currently are used for biopower production and this use could increase with favorable policies. Interest in biogas production from these residues and from dairy manure is increasing. At UC Berkeley there is the Energy Biosciences Institute (EBI), which is part of a unique partnership with three other research partners, the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, and British Petroleum (BP). It was created in 2007 by a 10-year $500 million grant from BP. EBI applies knowledge of biological processes, materials and mechanisms to the energy sector. More than 300 researchers, including AES faculty, study the complete bioenergy life cycle, beginning with the feedstocks, continuing through biomass depolymerization, and ending with finding a more effective fermentation process. At UC Davis there is the Bioenergy Research Center, which is a coalition of over one hundred campus research scientists from a wide range of disciplines, seeking to advance the development of bioenergy: heat, power, and biofuels from biomass as part of their work, and the California Biomass Collaborative which is part of the statewide California Renewable Energy Collaborative, and includes more than 500 members from government, industry, academia, and environmental organizations. Fourteen Hatch and Multistate Research projects with a sustainable energy focus were conducted by investigators at UC Davis, and Berkeley, and Riverside. There were also two projects conducted by CE advisors and specialists under the Federal Planned Program Sustainable Energy. Projects are being conducted in several areas that are essential to sustaining California's energy resources; a few illustrative examples follow: 16

18 Biofuel Crops Biofuel crops must be produced as efficiently as possible in order to not compete with food crops on prime agricultural lands. They will only be grown if they improve cropping system performance in the state's diverse farming regions. UC research was conducted to evaluate potential biofuel feedstock crops for California, including sorghum, switchgrass, Miscanthus, oilseed crops, sugarbeets, and sugar cane. Cellulosic biofuels must meet the criteria of high yield, high efficiency of carbon fixation, and quality of conversion. Biofuels are needed in California to meet the state's requirements for low carbon intensity fuels under the Low Carbon Fuel Standard. Executive order S-0606 calls for in-state production of biofuels to add to the state's economy, as well as meet its new greenhouse gas reduction goals. The California Energy Commission awarded a $2 million grant to the California based Biodiesel Industries for research and development of biodiesel fuel. The company partnered with a CE specialist who will develop viable biofuel feedstocks at test plots. In addition, through the 2012 UC ANR internal competitive grants cycle, over $1 million was awarded to two projects researching biofuel crops,starting work in FY2013. One project will investigate sorghum as a low-input crop for bioenergy, food and feed in California. Sorghum has considerable potential as both a short-term and long-term solution for California's need for a sustainable bioenergy feedstock. Sorghum can be used in all the various processes for bioenergy production - starchto-ethanol, sugar-to-ethanol, and lignocellulose-to-bioenergy. Sorghum also discussed at the 2011 Alfalfa, Forages, and Biofuels Field Day at the UC Davis and UC West Side Research and Extension Center (REC). Cellulosic biofuels must meet the criteria of high yield, high efficiency of carbon fixation, and quality of conversion. One research project focuses on perennial biofuel grasses and forage crops that might be produced in California. The objectives are to discover and report principles of forage and biofuel (phytomass) crop management, directed towards optimizing the yield, forage quality and economic viability of these crops, and to minimize potential deleterious environmental effects under western irrigated conditions. Another research project specifically evaluated the response of potential cellulosic biofuel crops to water. These studies provide the basis for understanding agronomic production techniques as well for economic costs and life-cycle greenhouse gas emissions. This new knowledge improves stakeholders' ability to make science-based decisions on production scenarios for biofuels. Several CE specialists and advisors are working on new crops, which include new winter annual oilseed crops, sweet sorghum and sugarcane. Other research was conducted on the use of hybrid poplars and other species as biofuel feedstocks across California and the Pacific Northwest. One research project examines the potential for poplar as a key feedstock species for cellulosic biobutanol production in California, and across the Pacific Northwest. In contrast to herbaceous biofuels species, poplar has advantages in harvest and storage. Woody Biomass Woody biomass is a broad, generic category that encompasses all woody materials that accumulate to problematic levels. This includes material from forest, agriculture, and urban environments. Biomass from trees, shrubs, and other woody plants is found in timberland, woodland, rangeland, orchard, and urban tree environments. It includes the woody material generated from forest thinning, fuel reduction in wildfire hazard areas, storm damage, catastrophic forest mortality (drought and insect related), as well as the debris from orchard and 17

19 urban tree maintenance. Woody biomass also includes the woody residue and waste stream of manufacturing, construction, demolition, transportation (pallets and shipping containers), and many other wood use activities. This woody material is recognized to be a potential feedstock to produce bioenergy either directly through thermochemical processes such as combustion or indirectly by producing intermediary fuels such as syngas, alcohol, or wood pellets that can be used to produce electricity in steam driven generators or as transportation fuels. A variety of research and extension projects explored woody biomass as a bioenergy opportunity. A CE specialist project analyzed the potential linkage between bioenergy, fire risk reduction, and global trade in wood products. This included multistate work with the US Forest Service, as well as private forest land owners and businesses that purchase supplies. The objective is to develop integrated decision support system. The potential impact is to increase the opportunity for private forest land owners to participate in future markets for bioenergy. Lastly, a CE advisor project is designed to evaluate the evolving woody biomass technologies for producing bioenergy and to develop knowledge and disseminate information to community leaders, entrepreneurs, business developers, investors, and community decision makers. To this end, workshops were held and factsheet were written and extended. There was significant economic success achieved through providing technical assistance that helped small busyness acquire over $4.5 million during the past four years. Economic Potential and Policy Related Issues Research was conducted on economic and policy issues associated with bioenergy. For example, UC ANR's BioEnergy Workgroup together with the California Biomass Collaborative has an ongoing cooperative project to model the economic potential for biofuel crop adoption on California farms. UCCE advisors from counties throughout California continue to help gather economic and farm performance data useful for this effort. The model is being used by several potential biofuel businesses to estimate feedstock availability, location and cost. Work also continues on the development of California and national biorefinery siting models. The feasibility for both stand-alone and integrated biorefinery operations as influenced by resource supply distribution and facility scale is part of these analyses. A project using the EPIC and SWAP models is being carried out for the California Air Resources Board to estimate greenhouse gas emissions from agriculture, and the economic effects of potential regulations. Climate Change California is characterized by a complex physical geography, tremendous natural biodiversity, and a growing and diverse population. As the climate changes, and as our population and our urban footprint continues to grow in the next century, the interplay between climate change and urbanization will increase the challenges faced by California citizens, local and state government officials, and planners. For example, the state's water resources are predicted to be vulnerable through changes in snow pack, timing and amount of precipitation, and increasing urban demand. More weather extremes, such as an increased frequency of heat waves are expected. Climate change is also anticipated to increase the risk of catastrophic wildfire. Invasive species are likely to increase in range and impact on natural resources, as climate change creates new habitats and niches and eliminates existing ones. In addition, the state's coastal and bay areas are at risk of flooding due to a rising sea level. These projected increases in human population density and changes in climate highlight the need to coordinate 18

20 regional planning efforts to promote conservation while also meeting the needs of all Californians for reliable and clean water, healthy communities, and food. Fourteen Hatch and two Multistate Research projects were awarded to investigators at UC Riverside, Davis, and Berkeley under the Federal Planned Program: Climate Change. CE specialists worked on one research and extension project, and CE advisors worked on four projects. Projects are being conducted in several areas that are essential to understanding the impact of a changing climate on California's natural resources, economy and population. Projects are being conducted statewide across several research domains, and involve modeling, empirical experimentation, and more narrative approaches to understand climate impacts and adaptations across numerous sectors of California's natural resources, economy and population. A few illustrative examples follow. Empirical and modeling studies of a changing climate Projects are being conducted that elucidate the nation of the complex processes that control global and regional climate and climate change, across many domains. These include modeling atmospheric dynamics in aerosol concentrations and types; detailed measurements of climactically important trace gases, such as carbon dioxide and carbonyl sulfide and carbon monoxide; and establishing a baseline of the biogeochemical, mineralogical, physical and morphological properties of soils that in turn influence carbon storage, nutrient cycling, biodiversity and regulation of quality and quantity of water supply. In one project examining atmospheric dynamics and weather, critical understanding of the development of the 2006 record-setting heat wave in California was gained through model simulations: these kinds of extreme weather events have dramatic consequences for public health, are predicted to increase. UC ANR academics are working closely with such agencies as California Air Resources Board, NASA, California Sea Grant, and NOAA. Climate change and biodiversity: Response of native and important species Projects are being conducted to predict the effects of climate change on vegetation types and species in California. These projects focus on plant trait adaptability (e.g. heritable adaptation), possible range shifts that might occur with a changing climate, interactions between native host plants and important species, and novel theoretical, statistical and practical models that test the role of climactic factors in determining distributions of California plant species currently, and in the future. These studies are critical to understanding possible changes in habitats, and also changes to fire regimes. Of note are new theoretical and applied modeling projects. For example, one project has led to a new theory of ecology, called METE, based on the maximum information entropy concept, which is now being used to develop better biological conservation practices and to improve predictions of biodiversity loss under climate and land use changes. Another project focuses on new updates to 'species distribution modeling', i.e., predicting the distribution of species from known occurrences and environmental data, which is used to predict responses to future climate change. Model improvements have been published in R, and on the Internet as free and open-source software. UC ANR academics are working closely with agencies such as US Forest Service Region 5, and other non-governmental organizations, such as The Nature Conservancy. 19